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  • Pennies from Kevin Podcast: Losing the Wait

    There are times when we carry extra “wait” not just in the physical form but the mental and psychological form. What’s the best way to lose the wait? Listen to this motivational podcast to find out.
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  • HBCU Graduates Launch Alkaline Water Company

    HBCU GRADUATES LAUNCH ALKALINE WATER COMPANY

    A Portion of The Proceeds to Support Alma Mater

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    Orange County, Prominent HBCU business leaders Allen and Subriana Pierce are making significant moves and dominating the grocery retail industry, but it doesn’t mean that they have forgotten where they came from. These HBCU graduates are proud to represent their alma maters and giving back to those same schools.

    Subriana Pierce, Spelman College Class of ’88 and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. co-founder of PhURE, announced today PhURE Water hits the Albertsons shelves this month.    PhURE Water, electrolyte enhanced, is a premium clean, safe, Ph9.5 alkaline water, that is bottled with state-of-the-art purification and filtration technologies is pleased to receive an initial purchase order from Albertsons Boise division.  PhURE is also one of the fastest growing alkaline waters on Walmart.com and receiving 5 star reviews.  The PhURE name is derived from Ph which denotes the Ph balance qualities of the water and the Purity that is water.  PhURE is available in 16.9oz, 1 Liter and 1.5 Liter Bottles. 

    “Always, but especially in these economic times, it is important for every HBCU Alumni to find ways to support their alma maters” said Allen Pierce, North Carolina Central Class of ’85 and co-founder.  “We are very pleased that the launch of PhURE Water includes a pledge to donate a portion of each bottle sold.” Water trends continue to accelerate.  Bottled water is now expected to overtake Carbonated Soft Drinks.  Consumers have grown more health conscious and look to trade-in their sugary soft drinks with healthier beverages such as water. 

    “Our passion and vision is for a world where clean, safe and affordable drinking water is readily available to everyone.  We want to impact lives by helping to improve their health and build strong, safe communities while maintain our core values. One body, One bottle at a time” said Pierce. PhURE Water’s recent successes are attributed to Navigator Sales and Marketing.   Los Angeles based, Navigator Sales & Marketing is the fastest growing national retail broker.  Subriana and Allen Piece launched this family owned business to consult and represent companies to navigate the retail and consumer package goods industries.  

    Navigator is devoted to represent companies with unique and innovative offerings.  Navigator is excited to bring healthy alternatives to the marketplace. Navigator is rapidly expanding their roster of clients including over 20 well-known brands like Renpure Hair Care, American Cleaning Supply, Sugar 2.0, The Real Co., Deep River Snacks and Obrigado, a premium coconut water.  Recent successes include expanding Old Trapper Beef Jerky.  Navigator has represented Hallmark greeting cards and have had success expanding the Hallmark’s multi-cultural card lines: VIDA (formerly Sinceramente) and Mahogany. VIDA is in the top Hispanic grocer and Mahogany is now being distributed through African-American Churches and bookstores.

    Navigator has earned the reputation for excellence by successfully bringing new brands from concept to being on shelves at a national level.  Navigator enjoys product representation in over 7,000 stores, with Delhaize, Albertsons/Safeway,  Whole Foods, Jewel/Osco, Ralphs, Bristol Farms, Gelson’s, K-Mart, Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Cardenas, Vallarta, Wakefern and Academy Sports among them. “We are excited to provide full-service integrated solutions: sales, marketing, merchandising and distribution to our portfolio of clients.  We are a one-stop shop”. said Allen Pierce, Co-Managing Partner of Navigator Sales and Marketing. 

     

  • The Estate Of Prince Rogers Nelson Selects Umg To Manage

    black owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustlesDeal Encompasses Prince’s Grammy-Winning NPG Records, Hits from Earlier Catalogs and Vast Collection of Unreleased Works

    Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a multi-year agreement with the Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson and NPG Records Inc., effective immediately, that grants UMG exclusive licensing rights to the iconic artist’s Grammy-winning NPG recordings, including a library of 25 albums and his highly anticipated trove of unreleased works.

    With this agreement, UMG becomes the home for Prince’s music publishing, merchandise and much of Prince’s recorded music. The deal provides an opportunity for UMG to work closely with Prince’s Estate and heirs to delight and thrill fans of all ages by creating innovative new products and experiences spanning the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s many artistic outlets.

    Under the terms of the deal, the Estate is licensing to UMG the 25 albums that Prince released through NPG Records, a label founded by the artist that includes Double Platinum- and Gold-certified albums Emancipation, Musicology and 3121. The agreement also provides for UMG and the Estate to collaborate with regard to Prince’s vault of prized unreleased works from throughout his career, including outtakes, demos and live recordings. In addition, beginning next year UMG will obtain U.S. rights to certain renowned Prince albums released from 1979 to 1995.

    In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said, “Prince was one of the greatest musical talents of all time – an incomparable genius as a performer, recording artist and songwriter. It’s an absolute honor to once again be selected by Prince’s estate to be the home for publishing, merchandise and now for so much of his incredible body of recordings. UMG is committed to honoring Prince’s legacy and vision by creating the highest quality products and experiences.”

    Michele Anthony, Executive Vice President of UMG, said, “Prince is a music icon and his impact on culture will continue to reverberate across the world for generations to come. Having worked with Prince on-and-off for 20 years, I was fortunate to experience his incomparable passion, creativity and pursuit of perfection. It’s an honor professionally and personally to be entrusted with these cherished recordings, including his storied ‘vault’ of unreleased music, and to partner with his estate and heirs to preserve and expand Prince’s legacy.”

    Industry experts L. Londell McMillan, Chairman and CEO of The NorthStar Enterprises Worldwide, and Charles Koppelman, Chairman and CEO of CAK Entertainment Inc., represented Prince’s estate.

    McMillan commented, “I am thrilled the NPG catalog and Prince’s highly sought after unreleased recordings will reside with UMG, where we have found a partner who is passionate about presenting Prince’s music with a holistic vision that celebrates his iconic status across recorded music, publishing and merchandise and will continue to deliver the highest quality experiences that fans have come to expect. I’m looking forward to seeing Lucian and Michele achieve great things for Prince’s fans, his estate and heirs.”

    Koppelman said, “I’m pleased to say, with UMG, Prince’s legacy is in very good hands. Lucian and his teams at Universal Music Publishing and Bravado are already generating great excitement and energy with Prince’s legions of fans who are demanding more ways to experience this incomparable talent. With UMG’s involvement, there will be so many more outlets around the world for experiencing the brilliance of this incomparable artist.”

    During a four-decade career, Prince sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, making him one of the most successful artists of all time. Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility.

  • Tribune Media Completes Sale of Gracenote for $560 Million

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    Tribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) today announced that it has completed its sale of Gracenote video, music and sports, to the Nielsen Company (NYSE: NLSN) for a purchase price of $560 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. After-tax proceeds are estimated to be approximately $500 million, of which $400 million was used to repay existing debt, with the remainder to be reinvested in the business.  Tribune Media will retain its ownership of the business-to-consumer websites, Covers.com and ProSportsDaily.com.

    Moelis & Company and Guggenheim Securities acted as financial advisors and Debevoise & Plimpton acted as legal advisor to Tribune Media Company.

    Tribune Media Company (NYSE: TRCO) is home to a diverse portfolio of television and digital properties driven by quality news, entertainment and sports programming. Tribune Media is comprised of Tribune Broadcasting’s 42 owned or operated local television stations reaching more than 50 million households, national entertainment network WGN America, whose reach is approaching 80 million households, Tribune Studios, and a variety of digital applications and websites commanding 60 million monthly unique visitors online.  Tribune Media also includes Chicago’s WGN-AM and the national multicast networks Antenna TV and THIS TV. Additionally, the Company owns and manages a significant number of real estate properties across the U.S. and holds a variety of investments, including a 31% equity interest in TV Food Network and a 32% equity interest in CareerBuilder. For more information please visit www.tribunemedia.com.

  • The Mix Group Experiences Growth in Revenues in 2016

    The Mix Group Experiences Unprecedented Growth in Revenues in 2016

    Omar Fajardo Appointed to Lead Newly Created Affiliate Relations Department

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    MIAMI, January 31, 2017 – In 2016, The Mix Group put up unparalleled numbers, growing revenues by nearly 70 percent. To meet demand and build on this momentum, The Mix Group President Jason Garte launched an Affiliate Relations department and promoted Omar Fajardo to lead it as Vice President of Affiliate Relations. In recognition of Fajardo’s proven ability to super-serve the company’s 1,200 radio station clients in his former role of Operations Director, he will now serve as the liaison between The Mix Group and all stations, overseeing contract negotiations and the day-to-day operations of the department. Additionally, Luis Portuondo shifts into the role of Affiliate Relations Manager and Alex Rosario is named Affiliate Services Manager.

    President of The Mix Group Jason Garte comments, “I’m humbled by the trust our stations have in us and how we’ve been able to grow this much in the last year. That trust is a direct result of the entire Mix family and especially Omar, Luis and Alex because they’re on their A-game 24/7, ready to do whatever it takes to exceed expectations. I love these guys and that love is even bigger than Mix…they’re my boys.”

    Prior to joining The Mix Group in 2012, Fajardo was a promotions director and talent coordinator working with 11 television shows including The Roof, which aired on Telemundo to an audience of 20 million.

    Portuondo began working with The Mix Group on a fulltime basis after graduating from Florida International University last year. He also continues his work as a volunteer camp counselor for the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, which he has done for the last four years.

  • Russell Simmons’ Rush Card company sold to Green Dot

    Green Dot to Acquire UniRush, LLC, Operating Company for RushCard and Rapid! PayCard

    starting a business

    $147 Million Transaction Expected to Generate Significant Strategic and Financial Synergies

    Green Dot Corporation (NYSE:GDOT) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire UniRush, LLC, and its operating businesses RushCard, a leading online direct-to-consumer general purpose reloadable prepaid card provider, and Rapid! PayCard, a leading corporate payroll card provider. The acquisition, which maps to “Step Five” of Green Dot’s “Six Step Plan” to enhance shareholder value, materially expands Green Dot’s scale with the addition of the RushCard and Rapid! PayCard installed customer bases, while establishing Green Dot as a formidable player in the growing corporate payroll card and wage disbursement market. The acquisition is expected to close prior to the end of Q1, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Said Steve Streit, Green Dot’s Founder and CEO, “As one of the largest and most successful FinTech banking franchises in America, Green Dot has proven its ability to efficiently integrate highly accretive acquisitions We believe the acquisition of UniRush, LLC, including the RushCard business and the Rapid! PayCard corporate payroll card business will be a strategic and financial success in both the near and long term. In particular, the RushCard program has for many years been one of the most important and respected prepaid programs in America with a mission espoused by its legendary founder, Russell Simmons, strikingly similar to that of Green Dot’s long time mission- to reinvent personal banking for the masses and to empower the unempowered. I am delighted to continue my long relationship with Russell and am eager to partner with the UniRush team to serve the customers we both care so much about while focusing on generating a strong economic return for Green Dot investors.”

    Russell Simmons, RushCard co-founder, stated, “Fourteen years ago I embarked on an incredible journey to provide a new financial tool for millions of Americans who had only limited access to traditional banks. As I have done with my ventures in music, comedy and fashion, I am partnering with the best company in the industry, Green Dot, to expand our opportunities and continue our mission to revolutionize the banking industry. We believe our customers are among the most loyal in prepaid and I want to thank them for their years of support. We are excited to continue and expand upon our tradition of providing great and important products for our customers over the many years to come.”

    Ron Hynes, UniRush CEO, stated, “This is an extraordinary milestone for UniRush, LLC., made possible by the hard work and dedication of each of the RushCard and Rapid! PayCard employees who have built our business to what it is today. Green Dot can now provide the scale and resources necessary to greatly expand our reach and to more efficiently deliver our innovative products and services to the millions of Americans who need them. We are all looking forward to joining forces with Green Dot, and I am thrilled to be working alongside two of the pioneers of the industry in Russell Simmons and now Steve Streit.”

    Financial Details:

    Price: Green Dot will acquire UniRush, LLC for $147 million plus a minimum $4 million annual earn-out payment for five years post closing. The annual earn-out payment could become greater if certain revenue growth hurdles applied to the RushCard general purpose reloadable prepaid card program are achieved in a given year, although any potential increase is not expected to be material to the overall price of the acquisition. The acquired company will be debt-free and cash-free at the time of closing with the exception of working capital items. In the event that there is a regulatory finding and a resulting financial obligation to UniRush, LLC stemming from the 2015 RushCard processing incident, such regulatory resolution and the associated financial obligation will belong to the seller with such obligation expected to be fully resolved prior to closing. Lastly, Green Dot will be indemnified through a cash escrow reserve, funded by the seller, in respect of the acquired company’s prior operations.

  • Steve Harvey Cancels Neighborhood Awards

    steve harvey neighborhood awards

    Steve Harvey Neighborhood Awards

    Entrepreneur and Media Mogul Steve Harvey is certainly in need to keep a closer eye on his business. Someone who is familiar with the inner workings is talking to the press. This person (or persons) went to a UK press outlet, DailyMail.com, and held nothing back in revealing Harvey’s current published and previously unpublished challenges, including:

    • Harvey’s angst over a visit to Trump and the huge backlash
    • Harvey’s backlash from the Asian community over a “racist” TV segment
    • Harvey canceling the popular “Neighborhood Awards”
    • Harvey going to court to prevent a videographer from releasing tapes of him from years ago allegedly discriminating against white people.

    The outlet states that Harvey had to cancel his popular Neighborhood Awards, a show that supported and recognized local businesses from around the nation during a culminated awards show, which was a huge success.

    The concept owned by Harvey’s former business partner Rushion Mcdonald has been halted for an alleged “lack of promotion” according to the UK outlet. McDonald parted ways with Harvey almost a year ago which we posted in Radio Facts and it is well known in industry circles that McDonald was the brainchild in many of Harvey’s huge business successes including his syndicated radio show with Premiere Networks, Harvey’s wildly successful book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and both movies that were made after the New York Times Bestseller. McDonald also spearheaded Harvey’s current TV show in 2012.

    We reached out to McDonald and he was not available to comment on the story. (We are not big fans of Premiere Networks and have published how we feel about them in Radio Facts).

    Now Harvey is dealing with, yet, another faux pas after a videographer, Joseph Cooper, states Harvey told his audience to ‘go assault old white women’ and ‘spit on white people.’ as part of his routine during his reign as a comedian in the 90s. Harvey is being sued in court for 10 Million by the videographer who claims he has the right to sell the tapes.

    Harvey is attempting to halt the videographer from selling the tapes claiming he never granted the rights to the tapes and the former employee is allegedly pursuing the sale as a form of ‘extortion.’

    Harvey spent the last week vacationing with his family on a private island in the Caribbean and is allegedly culminating a new project called Sand & Soul Festival, which will debut in October in Nassau, Bahamas at Atlantis Paradise Resort. Ironically, this is very close to Tom Joyner’s yearly similar Family Reunion event held in September of 2017 in Orlando, FL.

  • Hip Hop Site Entrepreneur Dies

    One of the most popular websites in the world has lost its founder. World Star Hip Hop founder Lee O’Denat, 43, died in his sleep last night according to TMZ. His autopsy is scheduled for later today. No word on services or the fa

  • 10 Things Every Entrepreneur Can Learn from New Edition

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles
    (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images )

    New Edition has literally been around for more than 35 years and they have been able to sustain a legacy that most groups never could. They have taken breaks, come back together, split up in different directions and even had success without each other but they always knew the value of what they started in Boston as kids. I was thinking, there are a lot of things that this group has done that would be a great lesson to black entrepreneurs when it comes to success and sustaining. Here it is. Hit “Next” below each post for the next segment.

    Start with your passion

    Any good business starts with passion. It is when you’re most hungry are you going to put your best foot forward. It is also when you often least understood. But the benefits will pay off. Click NEXT to see the next NEW EDITION business Tip

    Run the course

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles   As you become more successful, Always keep in mind why you started. There’s a good chance you may not be prepared for all the things that come with success. The discipline, self-motivation, the bad business deals, and surrounding yourself with the wrong people don’t have to be completely disastrous. Especially, if you learn the lessons behind it.

    Reinvent Yourselfblack-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    When you see that there’re problems the worst thing that you can do is ignore them. Eventually, they will destroy the self-esteem of the business and infect all people involved with the negativity. It’s better to cut your losses and move in another direction than to lose your entire business. You must make the necessary changes in order to continue to grow.

    When it’s no longer fun stop doing itblack-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    When it gets to a point that it’s no longer fun, use your options to either change course, and do something else, or take a break. But keep in mind the reason you started. If the passion is gone and you no longer enjoy doing it. It’s going to show in your work.

    Take Advantage of Your Leverage

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    After being in business for a while, and satisfying your target, there is no reason why you can’t use your leverage to reinvent yourself. The benefit of having a target is that you will know right away if it’s not working or if it is. Chances are, once your target gets to know you and believe in you, they’ll also take chances with you and let you know how they feel about what you are doing.

    Always Remember the Target

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    Contrary to popular belief, there are three sides to most businesses. The owner, the client, AND the target. Situations are not win-win, They are win-win-win. In order for this to occur all three sides must benefit equally in order for dedication and success to remain steadfast. Nobody should feel cheated. As a business owner, you are the leader and have the option to just say no to whatever doesn’t work for you and your target. And you must understand, that all money is not good money or equal money. There are certain things that you can do to satisfy your own need that can destroy your brand altogether so beware.

    Create New Value

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    What else can you do with what you have created? Are there any ancillary products that you can sell? Books, seminars, conferences, new services? Success creates leverage, and leverage creates value. One thing is for sure, you will get bored, the market will change and trends can change in an instant, so what are your options? Be prepared to exercise them.

    Increase Your Value

    To prevent boredom, change it up a bit. You can always bring things back together the long run but test out of the concepts. This can open the door to grow your business can your brand don’t be afraid to take chances, but always keep your target of mind.

    Balance

    black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    Make SURE you have a life outside of work, you must know how and when to stop. Work hard but make sure you ask for help where needed and put the right people in place, otherwise, you will never stop working but you WILL stop growing. Taking time away allows for a fresh perspective and new ideas. Running a business can be a hardcore addition so make sure you make a list of what you want to accomplish each day and (as I do) set the timer on your phone for 4 to 8 hours and when it goes off STOP working! (unless you get a sales call, there are exceptions)

    Accolades and Awards May Come Late, Who Cares?black-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    As an black entrepreneur, You’ll come to realize that most people are most comfortable being associated with a major brand or corporation. Not everyone is qualified to be an black entrepreneur or understand the concept of business. The wonderful thing about being an black entrepreneur is that most of us would never have it any other way. You will see other people who are attached to major corporations with large job titles get the accolades and awards because the organizations honoring them make money off of the honoree’s affiliation to the corporation. That’s business in itself. But the beauty of it is, when you get an award for YOUR business, it is permanently attached to you. It’s your work, your name, and your company. It’s because they are affiliated with the respected brand. Aim to grow your business and also have a respected brand and in the process reward yourself. Take vacations, Take breaks, and invest in yourself. there is no greater reward.

    Enjoy the rideblack-owned, black black entrepreneurs, gig, side hustles

    As long as it’s fun, keep doing it. Keep in mind when it stops being fun change, take a break, take a vacation, or reinvent yourself. Success will allow you to do all of the above. But I will say, once again, when it is no longer fun, it is time to look for something else to do. If it’s something completely different than what you have been doing, you have a great advantage, You know how to run a business. At that 90% of the battle, at that point has been won. Thanks to the legacy of New Edition

  • Endemol Shine North America Signs Development Deal With Angie Martinez

    Endemol Shine North America Signs Development Deal With Angie Martinez January 19, 2017 –

    Angie Martinez

    Endemol Shine North America has signed a development deal with multimedia personality and bestselling author Angie Martinez, it was announced today by Cris Abrego, CEO, Endemol Shine North America. As part of the agreement, Endemol Shine North America, the production company behind such hit series as “Big Brother” (CBS), “MasterChef” (FOX), “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo) and upcoming “Hunted” (CBS), along with Major TV, will develop unscripted and scripted content with Martinez for both traditional and digital platforms. Martinez is a prolific voice in media with more than 20 years of on-air hosting experience across a variety of platforms.

    Her years of experience shedding light on today’s pop culture moments and icons give her a unique perspective and creative eye. The partnership will allow Martinez an opportunity to expand upon her natural knack for telling compelling stories. “Angie is undeniably one of the most influential personalities in pop culture,” said Endemol Shine North America’s Abrego. “We’re thrilled to be in business with her and we’re already developing a handful of original, ground-breaking, projects with Angie and the team at Major TV.” “Working with Endemol Shine is an exciting first step for me in defining the next phase of my career,” Martinez says, “I’m looking forward to using my voice and platform to develop content that authentically speaks to the culture.” Martinez is recognized as one of the most influential personalities in popular culture and multi-media. Angie’s 20 years of on-air hosting experience has led her to become the media trailblazer she is today: multimedia host, spokeswoman, actress, recording artist, entertainment personality, author and philanthropist.

    “Her weekday radio show, “The Angie Martinez Show,” airs on New York’s Power 105.1 and on Miami’s The Beat 103.5, and is also available through iHeartMedia.com and the iHeartMedia app. In May 2016, Martinez released her first memoir, My Voice (Celebra-Penguin Random House), where she detailed her climb to becoming a multimedia icon in the world of entertainment. The book quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Major TV is led by Raymond Garcia, formerly publisher and founder of Celebra at Penguin Random House, where he published numerous best-sellers with top authors such as Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Chris Perez, author of To Selena With Love. In November, Endemol Shine North America and Major TV announced they had optioned the television rights to Perez’s To Selena With Love.